Blackburn Rovers should consider swoop for ex-Leeds United man after Portsmouth transfer update | OneFootball

Patrick Bamford’s Pompey links cool amid goal shortage at Ewood Park

Blackburn Rovers’ early season struggles in front of goal have underlined the urgent need for greater firepower in Valerien Ismael’s side.

With just seven league goals to their name and a winless run stretching to three games before the international break, Rovers find themselves 21st in the Championship table - a position their manager insists does not reflect their performances.

Despite adding Icelandic forward Andri Gudjohnsen from Genk late in the summer window, goals have been hard to come by.

The Rovers boss has spoken about the need for patience as new signings adapt to English football, but with the team scoring at a rate of less than one goal per game and midfielder Todd Cantwell leading the charts with three, the lack of cutting edge in the final third remains a concern.

It’s a problem that could yet tempt Blackburn to explore the free agent market - and one name stands out.

Patrick Bamford, released by Leeds United at the end of the summer, has seen potential moves to Portsmouth and Wrexham cool in recent days. With the experienced striker still unattached, Rovers could do far worse than making an approach.

Why Patrick Bamford could be the right fit for Blackburn Rovers’ frontline

Pompey were among several clubs credited with an interest in Bamford following his exit from Elland Road, but reports from local outlet The News have confirmed that the South Coast side are not pursuing a deal.

That opens the door for other Championship suitors to make their move - and Blackburn’s situation makes them an ideal candidate.

From Ismael's perspective, the numbers are stark. Gudjohnsen, though lively in flashes, has yet to score in his 199 minutes of league football.

Yuki Ohashi, who has started seven of Rovers’ opening nine matches, has managed just one goal and one assist, while Makhtar Gueye has failed to find the net in six substitute appearances.

In short, Blackburn are crying out for a proven finisher - and Bamford’s pedigree at this level is difficult to ignore.

The 32-year-old’s 69 goals in 217 Championship appearance record speaks for itself. While his final year at Leeds was marred by injuries and limited opportunities, his earlier contributions were vital in the club’s promotion to the Premier League in 2020.

His experience and link-up play could complement the youthful energy of Gudjohnsen and the technical skill of Ohashi, providing Rovers with much-needed balance and competition up front.

Bamford would also bring leadership and resilience to a dressing room in transition. Blackburn have had to contend with inconsistency and a series of fine margins going against them, including several contentious refereeing calls that have cost points.

A player of Bamford’s experience could help steady a young forward line still adjusting to the Championship’s physical demands.

Opportunity and necessity align for Valerien Ismael’s side - time is running out to climb Championship table

With squad slots still available and no transfer fee required, the practicalities of signing Bamford are straightforward.

His wages may be a consideration, but at this stage of his career, a move to a well-supported, historic Championship club offering regular football could be attractive.

The chance to add a player with his scoring instincts and proven track record would represent a calculated gamble worth taking.

Rovers’ attacking inefficiency has already cost them valuable points. Four home defeats before the recent draw with Stoke City tell their own story.

While Ismael has pointed to positives - resilience, work rate and slow signs of gradual adaptation of new arrivals - there is an unmistakable sense that something is missing in the final third.

The manager himself has acknowledged that the period of settling in is over.

“I think we gave enough time to everyone to settle, to adapt to the transition, to come to a new country, a new league,” he said recently. "We gave them time and assessed them, but now I think it's time to assess the performance."

Adding Bamford could mark the start of that next phase. His presence would increase competition among the forwards and give Blackburn an alternative when games tighten, as they often do in the Championship.

For a side that has shown flashes of quality without the clinical edge to capitalise, the arrival of a seasoned striker could make the difference between another relegation scrap and a climb toward mid-table stability.

As Portsmouth cool their interest and other suitors focus elsewhere, Rovers have an opportunity in front of them.